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Banaji Limji Agiary, Mumbai’s oldest fire temple, turns 306

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Banaji Limji Agiary, the oldest Fire Temple in Mumbai, will celebrate its 306th anniversary. (Arijit Sen/HT photo)

 

Parsis-Zoroastrians will celebrate The Feast of Fire, held on the ninth day of the ninth month (roz adar, mah adar) of the Shenshai or Shahenshahi calendar. It is an important day for the community as it celebrates the “birth of the creation of fire”. The community believes fire is a physical representation of the son of God.

Considered the most auspicious event for consecration of fire in an agiary, the day will mark the 306th year of the fire at Mumbai’s oldest Zoroastrian fire temple — the Banaji Limji Agiary, in Banaji Street, Fort, which houses Atash Adaran, the second grade of fire. The fire at the second oldest agiary, Manekji Sett agiary, located just a kilometre away in Perin Nariman Street near CST, will enter its 282nd year.

Since Wednesday evening, the community members in the city have not lit gas or stove in their kitchens. On Thursday morning, they will visit agiaries and offer prayers to fire, the son of God.

“Only once a year, the day and the month of our religious calendar coincide. From around 3.45pm on Wednesday, Parsis have lit an oil lamp in the kitchen, along with fruits and sweets, to celebrate the birth of fire on Thursday,” said Zoroastrian scholar Khojeste Mistree.

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OUR NEW DAR-E-MEHR: VISION TO REALITY

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Tuesday June 02, 2015

ARBAB RUSTAM GUIV DARBE MEHR

IS NOW

ARBAB RUSTAM GUIVDAR-E-MEHR

The name change from Darbe Mehr to Dar-e-Mehr was approved by the IZA and ZAGNY Boards, and announced by the DMZT Trustees at the DMZT AGM on May 3rd, 2015.

The New Dar-E-Mehr Building Is On Schedule for Timely Completion

Current Status

  • Roof Completed
  • Side wall Insulation completed
  • Underground utilities completed
  • Upper level flooring poured

Looking ahead…..

By June end

  • Front ground floor will be poured
  • Inside framing will be in full force

Fundraising update

Total pledges / donations amount to $4,092,922 as of April 30, 2015. Our new Dar-e-Mehr building construction is on schedule and REDCOM can complete construction by September 2015!

We need to raise the last approx. $500,000 with urgency in the next four months to complete construction on schedule.

We request all our donors to kindly fulfill current outstanding pledges amounting to $296,391 and promptly mail checks (made out to ‘DMZT’) to Minu Dutia, DMZT Treasurer, 1 Broadview Drive, Medford, NJ 08055.

Thank you in advance to our donors who have indicated that they will contribute more. Please send us your checks at the very earliest to help avoid construction delays and resultant cost escalations.

We urge all our supporters and donors to kindly consider an additional contribution to bridge the approx. $500,000 funding gap.

We earnestly request ALL our community members who have not yet contributed, to support the new Dar-e-Mehr building initiative and join our 321 donors. It will be a proud moment to cross the finish line with 100% participation from our local Zoroastrian community!

Our dream of a new Dar-e-Mehr building is just a few months away. The time is NOW! Together, let us realize this dream – after all, beyond the “bricks and mortar” plans, our new building is about the 21st Century community growing that will take place within the walls of our new Dar-e-Mehr!

Stories that Inspire

ZAGNY members Jasely & Kerman Dukandar share their story about why a new Dar-e-Mehr is important to our community.

Our daughters are Jasmine and Tina. 25 years ago we joined the Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York (ZAGNY) community so Jasmine and Tina could learn about the Zoroastrian religion, something that was important to us because of our interracial marriage.

We knew we wanted our daughters to possess the feeling of belonging to the Zoroastrian community and so we started making periodic trips to the Dar-e-Mehr. As time went by, we met with other members of the community and observed all the charitable work that was being undertaken. Soon, Jasmine was organizing a ‘Pedals for Progress’ bicycle collection and fundraiser at the Dar-e-Mehr. Tina began to receive invitations to represent the Zoroastrian community in events at the United Nations, opening up an abundance of career choices for her. Our entire family was motivated to be more active in the community, to give, grow and learn.

A new community center means a new nucleus for our Zoroastrian community in the tri-state region. It means that our children and your children will have a place to feel like they belong, can contribute, and experience the proud sense of belonging to the Zoroastrian faith.

ZAGNY member and Pomona Village resident, Ferzin Patel, shares the Village of Pomona March 2015 Newsletter which includes a mention of our new Dar-e-Mehr building.

Read more at http://www.pomonavillage.com/newsletter.html

Join our donor list!
Show your support!
Help reduce our funding gap!

Please make checks payable to ‘DMZT’ and mail to,
Minu Dutia
DMZT Treasurer
1 Broadview Drive, Medford, NJ 08055

For up to date information about the newDar-e-Mehr Building Project visit:

www.dmzt.org

For questions and naming rights information contact:

Edul Daver at eduldaver ( @ ) gmail.com (908)397-4443 or
Toos Daruvala at toosdaruvala ( @ ) aol.com (917)626-3570

For stock donations and wire transfer information contact:
Minu Dutia at dutiaminu ( @ )yahoo.com (609)654-0415

Our mailing address is:
Dar-e-Mehr Zoroastrian Temple
106 Pomona Road

Suffern, NY 10901


Chack Chack Fire Temple

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Chak Chak is one of hottest mountainous villages of the country. During the summer days, the temperature goes up to 40 c.
In the village, there is a sacred mountain shrine and a fire temple that serves as a pilgrimage spot for the Zoroastrians. The fire temple is home to many Zoroastrians from Iran, India and other countries.


Fire Temples in Iran and India – Old & New

See the Zoroastrian Fire Temple in Central London

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Fire, a primordial power has long held a certain fascination for mankind. Anything from its ability to heat early caves, and later homes, and then when fire was confined into gas boilers, we still decorate our homes with candles.

It has also been a topic for religions, often just candles in churches — but more profound for the Zoroastrians — and underneath a gallery in central London, you can find a Zoroastrian temple with its eternal flame burning brightly.

IMG_6850

As it happens, the temple is temporary, as is the fake flame within, for this is an exhibition that seeks to explain some of the mysteries of this truly ancient religion.

Zoroastrianism originated amongst Iranian tribes in Central Asia around 2,000 years before Christ turned up in Galilee and then it spread to Iran where it became the principal faith until the advent of Islam. Central to the religion is the belief in a sole creator god, Ahura Mazda, his agent Zarathustra (Zoroaster) and the dichotomy between good and evil.

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A Brief Stroll Around The Parsee Fire Temple In Ezra Street, Calcutta

Thane’s 250-year-old Parsi temple to get revamped

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  • Thane’s 250-year-old Parsi temple to get revamped
    Thane’s 250-year-old Parsi temple to get revamped Rupali Shinde/iamin

Nearly 250-year-old Cawasji Patell Agiary (Parsi’s fire temple) is set to get facelift with the help of Thane’s Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman Trust.

The agiary was constructed by Cawasji Patell, who was the first Parsi to live in Thane. He was also appointed as Patel of Thane in the 18th century. However, his descendants no longer live in Thane but have moved to Mumbai city.

The agiary is situated near Tembhi Naka. On the occasion of Parsi New Year, on Tuesday, August 18, people from the community flocked to the temple. “We prepare sev and daal rice in the morning along with fish patiyo and then visit the temple. There is no particular time set to offer prayers during New Year,” said Persis Kamakhan, who lives in one of the Parsi buildings in Tembhi Naka.

On the auspicious occasion, Parvez Bhesania of the trust, said, “Presently, 560 members are associated with our trust out of the overall 9,200 Parsi population in Thane. Apart from our trust, there are two others called Thane Agiary Fund and Thane Zorastrian Charity Fund too.”

http://www.iamin.in/en/thane/news/thane%E2%80%99s-250-year-old-parsi-temple-get-revamped-67317

Please Find attached herewith our 4 years  old Brochure which will give you the detail history of our Heritage Agiary, Managed by The THANA AGIARY  FUND (TRUST). 
 
For Any More details you can contact undersign on his Email  or thana_agiary@hotmail.com or phone (Preferable Personal Meeting)
 
Warm Regards
 
For THANA AGIARY FUND
Pervez Bhesania
Mobile 9820181818 or 9004581818

 


Fire temple turns 111

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The Bai Maneckbai Nusserwanji Chenoy ‘Agairi’ or Fire Temple turned 111 on Saturday. One of the oldest structures in the city, its foundation stone was laid by Putlibai Manecksaw Chenoy and the Fire Temple was consecrated on October 16, 1904.  It was awarded the HUDA Heritage Building award in 2001.

To mark the occasion, Parsis in the city had a prayer which was followed by ‘Humbandagi’ homage to the founder of the Agiary- Bai Maneckbai Nusserwanji Chenoy.  As is customary among the Parsis, it was followed by light refreshments. Ervad Mehernosh H Bharucha, head priest, said, “The Aafrin-prayers is not just about the welfare of the Parsi community but for the well being of all.”

In the evening a contributory thanksgiving ‘Machi’ prayer was offered to the ‘Padshah Saheb’ or Holy Fire in the temple. The second and third prayers of ‘Atash ni niyash’ were said in total darkness with the only illumination being the light from the flames inside.

The Parsi community in Hyderabad though small in number has contributed a lot for the social, economic and political development of the state. The Zoroastrians of the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad thus renewed their spiritual strength. The Parsi population today stands close to 1,200.

By:Beyniaz Edulji

http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/2015-09-20/Fire-temple-turns-111-176707



A New Journey has begun

250 years of Shree Pak Navsari Atashbehram

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Shree Pak Navsari Atashbehram celebrated glorius 250 years anniversary of establishment. Probably more than 3000 people came to take blessings of Atash Padsah. In morning Falani Machi and Jaher Jashan was performed by all Vada Dasturji which was leading by Dr. Phyroze Kotwal.

Mr. Hafeez Contractor has declared the huge donation worth Rs. 1 Crore.

In the evening the grand celebration performed at Bai Dosibai Kotwal Parsi Orphanage.

12043064_10154244938818916_5683392917310674532_n 11059952_10154244939688916_3479863873126447988_n 12141596_10154244939518916_3425687840698763846_n 12088533_10154244939423916_1651078950277169459_n 12106909_10154244939193916_3457435542190877958_n 12063827_10154244938998916_586695508018310270_n 12119098_10154244938928916_228699480746145853_n 12043064_10154244938818916_5683392917310674532_n 12141596_10154244938748916_6777474232460188091_n 12108749_10154244938658916_5912505646453868013_n 12143225_10154244938593916_8594244616631009910_n 12096501_10154244938393916_7469048758366614982_n 12105865_10154244938198916_7169901321568432616_n 11215746_10154244938088916_6659807113672622800_n 12074800_10154244937998916_6619371234490012655_n 12109189_10154244937873916_4209298153362426303_n 12079203_10154244937783916_6213117220228287198_n 12106829_10154244937708916_304730657001764773_n 12143244_10154244937638916_4784973391198956143_n 12107873_10154244937553916_4363431002228996947_n 12109120_10154244937463916_7925201224997547311_n

Souvenir Volume of “250 Glorious Years of Paak Navsari AtashBehram Saheb”

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Given in the attachment are two articles from the Souvineir Volume of  ” 250 Glorious Years of Paak Navsari AtashBehram Saheb”. The articles are written by Dasturji Kaikhushro Navroz Dastur MeherjiRana and DasturjiDr. Firoze Meherji Kotwal.
Few more interesting articles and messages from the “250 Glorious Years of Paak Navsari AtashBehram Saheb” are given in the attachment(3.3 MB).
The articles and messages are by
 
1) Dasturji Dr. Peshotan H Mirza (Udvada)
2) Dasturji Khurshed K Dastur (Udvada)
3) Dasturji Cyrus N Datur (Surat)
4) Ervad Dr. Rooyintan P Peer
5) Ervad Khurshed H Desaiji
6) Kersi Deboo
7) Ervad Burjor Antia
8) Dinshah K Tamboly
9)  Marzban J Giara
10) Burjor M Deboo
11) Ervad Vispi S Dastur
12) Ervad J A Sidhwa
13) Ervad Dr. Parvez M Bajan

Panchgani Agiary – highest in the world !

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20151011_095857

Seth Nanabhoy Bezonji Choksi Dar-E-Meher PANCHGANI

Date of Consecration – 14th May, 1931 Roj Adar Maha Adar, 1300 Y.Z.

HISTORY: It is perhaps the highest located agiary in the world. Panchgani is about 4,300 feet above the sea level.
Seth Nanabhoy Bezonji Choksi Dar-E-Meher was consecrated and was open by Dastur Noshirwan Kaikobad on 14th May, 1931. The expenses for the building of the Dar-E-Meher were Rs.38,300/-. Seth Nanabhoy gave securities worth Rs. 26,338/- towards its maintenance fund. Various co-religionists donated sums totalling Rs. 11,500/- towards its endowment fund. The foundation stone laying ceremony for priest’s quarters which Seth Nanabhoy Choksi was to build in memory of his wife Goolbai was performed by his grand-daughter Bai Meherbai.
It is a quaint structure, beautiful in proportion. The stained glass is special feature on the façade of verandah. The agiary is set in beautiful garden with tall pine trees. It is on a slight elevation.
There is a lovely sanatorium with self contained cottages “Gulshan-e-Aram” one km from agiary and there is aramgah also.

20151011_095839 20151011_095824 20151011_095810


Atash Behram Buoy Ceremony by Behram Dhabhar

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Introduction:-

All of us have at several times in our life witnessed the Buoy ceremony of an Atash Behram and most of us have also offered the Machhi to the holy Padshah saheb on several occasions. Though we are always awe-struck with this intricate procedure at the time of change of geh, only a few of us actually understand the meaning and purpose of the Buoy ceremony and the whys and hows of the kriya. This article by late Jehangirji S. Chiniwala attempts to explain this procedure in detail. The article was printed in the Parsi Awaz in Gujarati from where it has been translated.

 

About the Atash Behram saheb:-

The Atash Behram Saheb is a living, throbbing entity that acts as a connecting chain between the Minoi Hasti and our earth – Geti. This entity attracts enormous beneficial currents of Asha Chithra, Vaha Chithra and Gav Chithra which form the divine blessings of Asere Roshni that rain down from the heavens above via the Swa (vehicle) of Khurshed Yazad. This Atash Padshah becomes the Hamkar or co worker of Spenamin (white side of nature) that constantly engages in battle with Ganamin (Dark side of nature), the benefit spreading to all mankind. The Atash Behram Padshah saheb is a spiritual instrument to capture Ahu + Daen + Baod from nature, the visible effect being the Atash – fire that we see burning in the Afarganyu. It carries out diligently all the work assigned like-wise with Dadar Ahura Mazda, the Yazads and the Ameshaspands by Ahu. Its own Consciousness is linked to the consciousness of Dadar Ahura Mazda, which is why it is a living entity on the same spiritual level as the Yazatas. The Asere Roshni which is showered from the Hasti above is pulled down by this Atash Padshah, multiplied, and then distributed on Geti, first passes through the Dakhyus of Nisti or the Evanascent space above Geti.

What is Nisti made up of? :-

Nisti has 6 Keshwars or planes / boundaries, references to which we recite in our prayers and ceremonies. (Totally 7 Keshwars, 1 on Geti, 6 in Nisti.) As per the explanation given in the Bundahishn text, the intermediary space between Hasti and Nisti which is known as the Zamrir where the Aivi Dakhyu is located, are the two Keshwars namely Vidadafshu and Fradadafshu. Between Aivi Dakhyu and Antare Dakhyu are located Arazahi and Savahi keshwars. Between Aaa Dakhyu and Antare Dakhyu are located the Vouru Bareshti and Vouru Zareshti keshwars.

 

Asere Roshni or divine blessings ;-

When the Asere Roshni rains down to the earth it passes through these 6 keshwars. In order to pull this Asere Roshni down, the Yaozdathregar Boiwala sahebs, Abed sahebs and Nar Ashvan sahebs perform complex ceremonies. The entire Asere Roshni is housed within the Swa or the rays of the sun that is Khurshed Yazad.

 

The concept of time in our religion :-

The Zarathushti din which explains the concept of time, divides the day into 5 gehs, namely Havan, Rapithvan, Uziren, Aiwisuthrem and Ushahin. Each of these gehs have been assigned a dedicated Manthravani since the laws of nature operating in all these gehs are different. This is because the earth’s movement is categorized in 6 different types, one of which is the earth rotating on its tilted axis. At the fag end of every geh, the axis of the earth receives a jolt. When this happens, the Asere Roshni rays, which otherwise fall perpendicularly on the earth, are scattered and the connection of the swa with the Atash Padshah breaks off. Since the Atash Padshah has the spiritual level of a Yazata it possesses the spiritual power known as Zor by virtue of which it becomes a hamkar of Spenamin and an adversary of Ganamin. When the earth’s axis receives a jolt, thereby cutting off the swa connection with the Atash Padshah, sensing this opportunity, Ahriman which is the Naib (assistant) of Ganamin mounts a severe attack on the Atash Padshah.

The Zor of Atash Padshah saheb;-

The Padshah being of Yazatic stature and who has been referred to as the divine Ratheshtar (warrior), spreads its Zor (power) all round the environment thus counteracting the evil influence by Ahriman thus giving Ahriman a tough fight. This depletes the Zor within the Atash Padshah. In this time period the Mazishta Keherp of the Padshah saheb which consists of Asha Chitra, Vaha Chithra and Gava Chitra is dealt a severe blow, thus weakening the keherp. It takes a good 9 minutes for the Asere Roshni to regain its full form once again, which is the time period required for the sun’s rays to reach down to the earth. After 9 minutes, the Asere Roshni starts building up once again in the Atash Padshah. In this intermediary time period the Baod of the Atash Padshah also loses consciousness. This is why the Buoy ceremony attempts to replenish the Padshah saheb’s lost glory, which the Yaozdathregar mobed strives hard to accomplish.

 

Functions of the buoy ceremony :-

The Buoy ceremony has two main functions.

The first one is to feed the visible Atash (which has a spiritual connection with the 16 Minoi Atash energies operating in nature) with nourishment, in the form of Kathi and sandalwood. The second function being, feeding the divine Atash energies with Mithra, Manthra and Yasna thus fulfilling the course of the Asere Roshni to rain down smoothly once again back on to the Atash Padshah. In the Atash Niayesh (litany to fire) the devotee and the Yaozdathregar mobed recites the line “Nemasate Atrash Mazdao Ahurae Hudhao Mazishta Yazata” which means: May Dadar Ahura Mazda who in his infinite wisdom, oversees the functioning of this universe, who sends us the best blessings, may we offer our respects and devotion to this Atash Padshah who has attained the Darrajo (stature) of a divine Yazata. A consecrated fire is treated and spoken of as a Yazata. On account of the declining spirituality amongst our own community members some so called “religious scholars” belittle our lofty ceremonies stating them to be just a “shell”!

 

Who can perform the buoy ceremony of an Atash Behram?:-

The authority to perform the Buoy ceremony of the Atash Behram rests only with Yaozdathregar mobeds who have completed their Navar + Martab and who possess a valid Bareshnoom. Also those who elevate their spiritual status by performing the Moti Khub (Yazashne) of Mino Navar, and who should necessarily be married, only then can they be termed as a Yaozdathregar. As per the strict dictates of the Zarathusti din only a Yaozdathregar who has reached the level of a “Zaotar” (Ref – Uziren geh, 7+1 levels of priests), and who is a family man is authorized to give Buoy to the Fire of Victory. Alas, such categories of mobeds are hard to find.

 

How is the buoy ceremony performed?:-

Such mobed sahebs, on the commencement of each geh, wait for 9 minutes after change of geh to perform the padyab kusti, then complete the farajyat for that particular geh, and only then enter the Koh of the Atash Padshah to give the Buoy. When the mobed saheb enters the kebla, he first places 3 pieces of sandalwood on the fire facing the East direction, reciting the words Humata Hukhta Havrashta. Though this practice is still followed, the thought process for this practice is not. The divine work entrusted to the Yazatas which they carry out very efficiently in Hasti, Nisti and Geti is referred to as Humata, Hukhta and Havrashta. Whilst offering these first three pieces of sandalwood to the fire the mobed saheb is required to pass this thought (Mithra), viz., O divine Atash Padshah, who is a Yazata, and who is a hamkara of the other Yazatas, may the burden (Azaab) which has befallen upon you on the change of this geh, be vanquished, since you are of Yazatic stature, may you be able to perform your duties as a Yazata in Hasti, Nisti and Geti victoriously, i.e. Humata, Hukta, Havarashta. The Yaozdathregar then starts placing the Machhi sandalwood logs facing East, South and West directions. The Machhi log counts are different for Pak Iranshah, and for the other 7 Atash Behrams.

This is because Pak Iranshah is connected with the 2 Noori Asmans of the Minoi Alam plus the 7 Asmans of Hasti which makes it 9 Asmans. Therefore the Machhi log count is 9. Also the fire of lightning (Atar-e-Vazisht) had been ceremoniously brought down with Frashusho Manthra by Dastur Nairyosang Dhaval. Whereas in the case of the other Padshah sahebs it has been collected from forest fires struck by lightning. For the other 7 Atash Behrams the Machhi count is 7 as stated by Ustad Saheb Behramshah N. Shroff, since they are connected with the 7 Asmans of Hasti and are referred to as “Duvvam Martabana Atash”. (second grade fires) Though in reality, only the Modi Atash Behram (Surat) has 7 log Machhi, for all others the Revaj is 6 pieces. The arrangement of these 6 / 9 pieces to form a throne is known as Machhi which is a Gujarati word derived from Sanskrit. A Machhi is compulsorily offered on change of every geh for an Atash Behram fire.

 

Buoy ceremony performed by an Ashvan saheb:-

There is a world of difference between the Buoy / Machhi ceremony performed by a Yaozdathregar mobed, and an Ashvan Saheb. The Yaozdathregar raises his spirituality becoming Khupe Ruvan by performing the Yazashne of Mino Navar. This has to be performed once every 4 days in order to maintain his Khupe Ruvan stature. On account of his performing this duty for a long period of time as Boiwala his Keherp becomes pure and this helps him perform his duty in the best possible manner. Which is why the Athornan tola maintain strict spiritual discipline and always endeavor to marry within themselves. On the other hand, an Ashvan saheb has 16 priestly qualities alive within him and on account of these qualities, he is able to help the Padshah saheb in a much better way at the change of every geh. Whenever the geh changes a normal mobed saheb is not able to help out spiritually but an Ashvan enters the Koh before the commencement of the new geh and strengthens his Amal. When the Asere Roshni gets scattered on change of the geh, and the vicious attack from Ahriman follows, the Ashvan stands fearlessly in the Koh and ignites his Padyav Sazi powers. He then spreads these (Nafe Brava) powers all round creating an invisible fortress round the Padshah which helps prevent the Atash Padshah from any harm, also protecting himself from any adverse reaction of Ahriman on his own Ushtan. He then energizes his Khup-Nirang powers and releases them to protect the Atash Padshah, which then assists the Zor (power) of the Atash Padshah and becomes an assistant to the Atash Padshah to ward off evil. Therefore the Ashvan helps the Atash Padshah in the 9 minutes that the Asere Roshni gets scattered.

 

How does the Ashvan Buoywala saheb fight the Tir-e-gohar (forces of darkness) and nullify them ?:-

By virtue of the powers of Zor, the Atash Padshah emits Yaozdahi powers from within itself. This breaks the destructive forces of Tir-e-gohar and utilizes its own Nafe Brava forces to protect its Mazishta Keherp. At this point of time the attack from Ahriman is so strong that inspite of these spiritual weapons, the Mazishta Keherp gets wounded and is not fully capable of carrying out its assigned duties in nature, thus weakening the inherent Zor powers of the Padshah saheb.

The Ashvan Buoywala saheb possesses the power of Nahevar Jivamni which he utilizes to ward off the attack on the Mazishta Keherp to perform a ceremony prior to the actual Buoy ceremony. This authority to perform such ceremonies rests only with Ashvan sahebs. Today the amount of Azaab (burden) falling on the Atash Behram Padshah sahebs of India is so great on account of Yasna Daruji that it weakens the Pav Mahal. In order to counteract this situation the Sahiar mobeds who are Ashvan sahebs secretly use their Nahevar Jivami powers to rectify the situation by performing special kinetics thus keeping the Pav Mahal Talesams intact. In this manner an Ashvan with the help of his 16 virtuous powers, and use of Mithra, Manthra and Yasna can prevent attack on the Atash Padshah in the 9 minute interim period when the attack on the Padshah saheb is maximum.

 

What happens when the Machhi logs are offered during the buoyceremony?:-

When the Machhi logs are offered to the Padshah saheb it immediately ignites the fire on the Afarganyu. By virtue of his performing the Moti Khub of Mino Navar the Yaozdathregar mobed has an active elevated Khupe Ruvan, and he is able to perform the following spiritual task. The Atare Froba energy which lies within the Atashe Vohu friyan which is present in the mobed saheb by virtue of his Moti Khub is energized and passed onto the Atare Froba within the Atash Urvazisht which is present in the log of sandalwood. Atash Urvazisht is the fire energy present in Vegetation. This in turn nourishes the visible fire on the Afarganyu and also establishes a connection with the fire Atare Froba on the 6th Asman of Jupiter. When the Machhi is of seven log pieces it attracts the Asere Roshni currents from the 7 Asmans of Hasti. When the Machhi log pieces are 9 as in Pak Iranshah the Asere Roshni currents are drawn from the 9 Minoi Asmans.

 

When an Ashvan conducts the Buoy ceremony after placing the Machhi pieces on the fire, by virtue of his “Aspernargan powers” he energizes the Atare Froba energy within the fire and connects them spiritually with the fire energies (Atare Froba) of the 6th Asman. This energy then automatically connects with the Athro Ahurae Mazdao Puthra of the 9th Asman. This is possible on account of the advanced spiritual status of an Ashvan.

 

Ceremonial washing of the Khuan:-

As per Revaj, after arranging the Machhi logs of Sandalwood on the fire, the Khuan (Pedestal / throne) on which the Afarganyu is placed is washed ceremoniously. The Atash Padshah is enthroned on the Khuan within its Kash and connected with Spenta Armaiti (earth). In the 9 minutes when the attack from Ahriman is maximum, the dark forces of Gashak and Tire-Gohar cling to the Khuan. An Ashvan saheb on account of his high spiritual status practicing Mithra, Manthra and Yasna washes the Khuan or cleans it with a dry cloth. But in practice a normal Yaozdathregar mobed washes the Khuan during the first 7 months when the Rapithvan is consecrated (that is above the ground), and just cleans it dry during the next 5 months when Rapithvan goes underground, i.e. during the period of Biji (second) Havan.

After arranging the Machhi logs on the Afarganyu, – the mobed saheb tucks his Jama in the pichori such that it rises a little above the toes, – takes a Handa (vessel) filled with well-water and prays “Khshnaothra Ahurae Mazdao – 1 Ashem”, – then recites in baj “Yaozdathrahe Zareh Varkash” thus pouring water from the Handa to the Karasya overflowing it. – He then recites again “Khshnaothra Ahurae Mazdao – 1 Ashem” then in Baj “Yaozdathrahe Zareh Frankard” again overflowing the Karasya. – The third time he prays “Khshnaothra Ahurae Mazdao – 1 Ashem” then in Baj recites “Yaozdathrahe Zareh Puitik Harvespa Mino Ardavisur Aav pak Yaozdathra” overflowing the Karasya one more time. – He then takes hold of the Karasya, prays one Ashem vohu, and with his right hand washes the Khuaneastern side, then with the second Ashem washes the Khuan southern side, with the third Ashem washes the Khuan West side and the Northern side together. A normal Yaozdathregar mobed follows this Revaji procedure and derives invisible help through the Revaji Keherp. But an Ashavan on account of his high spiritual stature dislodges the Gashak forces through his “Kheradi Kunashne” powers. During the first 7 months when Rapiithvan is above the ground and active, Gashak forces are tremendous, therefore the Khuan needs to be washed with the Frado energies present in water. In the Second Havan period of the next 5 months, the Gashak forces are minimum, therefore just cleaning of the Khuan with a dry cloth will suffice. After washing of the Khuan, the Yaozdathregar wipes his hands dry, then wears gloves, holds two ladles (Chamach) with each of his hands. He then places one chamach over the other and offers four pieces of sandalwood to the fire, each one reciting the words “Humatanam, Hukhtanam, Havrashtanam, Yadacha, Anyadacha… … …” bowing down in reverence towards the Padshah saheb. He then recites the name of Ahura Mazda and strikes one bell thus creating a composite force of Mithra, Manthra and Yasna. When an Ashvan performs this ceremony he too holds the two Chamach one on top of the other, and places 4 sandalwood pieces on the Chamch, but by virtue of his Kheradi Kunashni powers the sandalwood pieces on their own automatically land up on the fire from the Chamach. In this manner the Ashvan ascertains that he has performed the Buoyceremony diligently and that the ceremony is effective in drawing the Asere Roshni down with vigour through the Keshwars of Nisti.

 

The Chak Feravani kriya:-

The Buoywala mobed then performs the Chak Feravani kriya. The western Scholars are unable to explain the purpose of this act and draw similarities to a Red Indian dance. While performing this kriya the mobed saheb moves round the Sarposh (tray) of the Afarganyu in all 4 directions (E-S-W-N) and 4 corners reciting certain formulae on each of these positions thus creating a spiritual boundary. This act ensures that all the Rathviya Chakra present in the Pav Mahal produces a Keherp. This strengthens the conciousness (Baod) of the Padshah saheb and raises it to a very high level. It is worth noting that the Chak feravanu kriya in Ushahin and Havan gehs are different from that done in the Rapithvan, Uziren and Aiwisuthrem gehs.

During Ushahin and Havan gehs the mobed starts the Chak feravani kriya facing the West direction whereas in the other gehs he starts it in the East direction. The method by which the Asere Roshni is drawn towards the earth from the Asmans through the Nisti can only be explained fully in Sezda (heart to heart). An Ashvan on account of his MinoVinashne powers is able to see the rays of Asere Roshni fall on the fire. During the Ushahin and Havan gehs the Asere Roshni enters from the southern direction and during the other 3 gehs, the Asere Roshni enters through the Northern direction bypassing the gubbars (cloud formation) of Saen Daruji and Bud Kerdar. There is proof of this aspect but it is beyond the scope of this article. The Asere Roshni which comes down through the Anasari layers as per the law of Mazda-data, helps mankind in the process of Retribution. This is from the Northern direction and does not mix or mingle with the Gubbars of the dark forces. Whereas the Asere Roshni that descends from the Southern direction through Dadaare Gehan gives nourishment to the earth. It is for this reason that the Chak feravani kriya is different in Havan and Ushahin, as compared to Rapithvan, Uziren and Aiwisuthrem gehs.

 

Drawing the nine kash :-

When the mobed saheb with the help of a paiwand (connection) with the Jama, holds the two Chamach thus drawing the kash, a total of 9 kash is drawn. Starting from the West he recites “Aa thwa Aathra Garyemi” meaning: I draw the Asere Roshni from above and feed that to the Atash Padshah. During the first Kash the Asere Roshni is drawn through the Arezahi Keshwar. The next kash is drawn from the “Ishan corner” he recites “Vangheush Managaho Zaothrabyo yazamaide” meaning: I attune myself to the Asere Roshni that is predominant in wisdom entering our sacred Alaats. During the second kash the Asere Roshni is drawn through the Fradadafshu keshwar. The third Kash is drawn through the “Agni corner” thus reciting “Athwa Aathro Garyemi”, thus drawing the Asere Roshni through the Vouru Bareshti keshwar. The fourth Kash is drawn facing the East direction. Here the mobed saheb recites “Vangheush Ukhdo Zaothrabyo yazamaide” which means I attune myself with the Asere Roshni which originates from the Naad (tune) of Ahunavar emanating from the Alaats. This is drawn from the Savahi Keshwar. The fifth Kash is drawn from the “Nairutya corner”. The mobed saheb again recites “Aa Thwa Athra Garyemi” and drawn the Asere Roshni from the Vouru Zareshti Keshwar. The sixth Kash is drawn from the “Vyavya Corner” when he recites “Vangheush Zaothrabyo Yazamaide” which means I attune myself with the Asere Roshni which emanates from the Alaats of Bahman Ahmeshaspand. This Asere Roshni is drawn down from the Vidadafshu keshwar. During the seventh Kash the mobed saheb faces North and recites “Sukkai Manangaha” which means I revere the Asere Roshni that clings closely with the Manashni of Geti. He then turns to the South direction to draw the eight Kash reciting “Sukkai Vachangaha” meaning I attune myself with the Asere Roshni that clings closely to the Gavashni of Geti. The last – ninth Kash is drawn from the West direction which is the direction from which he first started the Chak ceremony, maintaining a paiwand with the logs of the Machhi, reciting the words “Sukkai shyothna” meaning I attune myself with the Asere Roshni associated with Kunashni of Geti.

 

Praying the Atash Niayesh;-

After completing the Chak Feravani ceremony the mobed saheb then takes hold of the long Chamach, places a few pieces of sandalwood on it, and makes a paiwand with the Jama, then placing one end of the Chamach on the Sarposh, begins reciting the Atash Niayesh. While reciting the Pazend Dibache of the Atash Niayesh on the words Dushmata, Duzukhta, Duzvarashta he strikes the bell three times on each of the words. In the current time period Behdins and Athornans are unable to follow strictly all tarikats of Ashoi, hence the present Rainidar saheb Dastur Aderbad Mahrespand has introduced a Pazend Patet pashemani kardo in each of the Niayesh and Yasht following the laws of Stoat Yasna. This has proven to be very effective in the present times. The kardo starts with “Az hama gunah”. When the bell is struck, the Yaozdathregar mobed saheb, Athornan sahebs and behdins present in the hall should collectively pass the thought force Mithra that may the Gubbars formed of bad thoughts, words, deeds of mankind break, and may the formation of good gubbars full of benevolence take place, and may they be strong. May the Mithra Daruji, Manthra Daruji and Yasna Daruji and all black magic be destroyed, and may the evil thought, word, deed from my own little world be vanquished. When the Pazend Manthra of “Ahura Mazda Khodai avajuni Mardum… … …aedun bad” is recited in Baj (soft muttered tone) the thought force passed by the mobed saheb is: may the beneficial currents of Asere Roshni collected here be spread to all mankind of all Jhirums. When the 2 Yatha are recited after this Pazend passage another 2 Kash are drawn around the fire extending protection until the change of the next geh.

 

The number of Atash Niayesh recited during each geh are different in Udwada as compared to other Atash Behrams, but in all Kadmi Atash Behrams only one Atash Niayesh is recited. Ustad Saheb Behramshah Shroff had stated that atleast 3 Atash Niayesh should be recited in all Atash Behrams of second grade (Duvvam Martaba) and during the third Niayesh the Kash drawn on the periphery of the Sarposh in the Rakhiya should be finally sealed.

 

What about behdins?;-

 

The Atash Behram Padshah saheb is an indispensable entity for all Baste Kushtians. Since the Padshah has a spiritual connection with the Minoi Atash, it spreads its benevolence and protection to all living creatures of all Jhirums. When a Zarathushtri prays the Kemna Mazda prayer he begs for the boon that may I attune myself with thee Atash (Atrascha) and the Manashni of the fire (Managascha) by following tarikats of Ashoi, performing Atash Parasti and recital of Manthrakhani, and in reward may I receive the blessings and protection for myself, my family members and for the particles of my soul in the other kingdoms. This is absolutely necessary when the attack from Ahriman is powerful and can only be achieved through Atash Parasti. In a normal human being, there are forces of good and evil present at all times. The human mind is akin to a rubber band which can be stretched. In good times, man is able to keep a control on his mind but in difficult times, the control on the mind is lost and man sways towards evil. The only way out of this is to follow the practice of Meher Patet.

 

The gifts given by our prophet Asho Zarathushtra in the form of Sudreh-kushti, taikats of Ashoi, Manthravani, and Atash Parasti are all important to eradicate evil within us, and for this the beneficial currents from the Atash Behram prove helpful. All Baste khushtians souls on account of their composition are provided with the invisible Staots of Ahunavar because of which the Atash Mino karko is active in their Anasars. The main aim in a Zarathusti’s life is to awaken / energize these Stoats and the key to do this is the path of Atash Parasti.

For all Athornan sahebs, Yaozdathrehari is not a mere profession but a means to win both religion and this materialistic world. To maintain a Bareshnoom and practice Yaozdathregari is extremely important for the Athornan tola.

 

Message from Jehangirji S. Chiniwalla ;-

Times are changing from bad to worse. It gives me great grief even to spread Khshnoom. The spreading of this knowledge of Khshnoom is only by the love of one’s religion. As per the instructions of Ustad Saheb, every disciple has to face these tough times. Those Khshnoom Fidai who are unable to grasp the intricacies of Khshnoom properly bring obstacles in the path of the spread of this esoteric knowledge. I am just a normal sinful behdin. My Keshash is of the Darvandi category of the Mazdaysni Baste Kustians. But as per the instructions from my Ustad Saheb and the invisible help from the Abed sahebs and their Daham Afriti blessings raining upon me, I perform my normal Farzyat as a Khshnoom lover, but I may have accidentally committed mistakes (sins of omission), therefore I daily recite my Patet Pashemani and maintain it in my Mithra throughout the day and night and I earnestly pray that the Abed Sahebs of Demavand Koh help this Khshnoom disciple in being successful in spreading the message of Khshnoom, protecting our community and leading us on the path of benevolence.

Biblography : – Zarathosti Din ne Lagta vidhvidh Vishayo Translated from Gujarati to English by Behram P. Dhabhar from : Atash Behram Padshah-oni Machhi Chadavi, Buoy devani kriya upper nakheli Ilm-e-Khshnoom ni Filsufini Roshni – Jehangir S. Chiniwala *** *** ***

 

Hum Mithra at 7 a.m.

2 Yatha Ahu Vairyo, 1 Ashem Vohu

“Let no harm come upon the Traditional Zoroastrian flag and its values which are so dear to us. Let the reformists agenda never succeed and their nefarious plans be upturned. Let no harm befall upon Pavmahal of India that is – our Iranshah of Udwada and all Atash Behram, Atash Adran and Dadgah of India. Let not one day pass without Atash Parasti and our reverance towards Holy consecrated Fire(Pavmahal),Dokhmas, Sudreh Kusti, Mathravani which acts as a weapon to thwart evil, and let us protect our racial traits of Parsi Panu through Boonak Pasbani by not marrying outside, due to which we have survived so far. That is how we will be able to maintain our true “Zarathosti Khandani” and continue to survive with our Aryan Lineage intact. Let the time of advent of Shah Behram Varjawand and his fore runners come soon and protect us from this mess. Let my Kusti Padiav and my Tarikats be helpful to nature to fight for the cause of righteousness against the evil negative forces of Drujis, and may it protect us all Zarathustis and entire humanity who live by their religion and its tenets. “Phiroj baad Khureh avizeh Vehdine Mazdiyasnan” – Let the Khoreh of Mazdiyasni Zarathosti deen protect its faithful followers”

……..1 Yatha Ahu Vairyo, 2 Ashem Vohu

Link to post on PIDPZ https://www.facebook.com/groups/PIDPZ/permalink/1729534457279277/

Click on the Link:- The Atash Behram Buoy Ceremony by Behram Dhabhar


Promoting and Perpetuating Udvada as a Cultural And Heritage Centre

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Article by Ervad K.N. Dastur was written in past.

“PROMOTING AND PERPETUATING UDVADA AS A CULTURAL AND HERITAGE CENTRE.”

 

WOULD YOU PLEASE PAUSE AND  RECONSIDER?

 

In  Jam-e-Jamshed  of  22-12-2002  Commissioner  of  Tourism,  Government  of  Gujarat  has  published  an announcement to the effect that the Central and the  State Governments have sanctioned two grants of Rs. 97.27  lakhs  and  Rs.  24.32  lakhs  respectively  for  “promoting  and  perpetuating  Udvada  as  a  cultural  and heritage centre.” This is in appreciation of the services of our community to the development of India, and our respect  and  good  feelings  to  all  religions  other  than  the  Parsi.  The  proposal  suggested,  as  the  first  step, several actions like establishing a museum and cultural Centre, a Tourist Lodge cum Reception Centre and Heritage walk at Udvada, and organising a grand annual festival and tourist circuit as the places where Paak Iranshah  was  lodged  from  time  to  time.  A  core  group  consisting  of  prominent  Parsis  is  appointed  for  the purpose.

Cllick here to read the complete article : Udwada – Utsav Utsav_Article by Er. K.N.Dastoor


OUR NEW DARE-E-MEHR UPDATE: JANUARY 2016

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Dar-E-Mehr
Zoroastrian Temple

New York

CHEERS TO A NEW YEAR!  LET’S CELEBRATE 2015 AND THE STEPPING STONES THAT HAVE PAVED THE WAY FOR A MOMENTOUS OPENING OF OUR NEW DAR-E-MEHR IN 2016!

Phase l, our new Dar-e-Mehr building construction, is slowly but surely inching towards completion with help from each one of our 400+ donors – THANK YOU for sharing this vision and joining in creating a legacy for Zoroastrians in North America.

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A gentle reminder to our donors – we have approximately $91,000 in pledges outstanding and humbly request that pledges be fulfilled promptly to enable completion of Phase l effectively. Please make your checks payable to DMZT and mail to, Minu Dutia, 1 Broadview Drive, Medford, NJ 08055.

 

PHASE II: WHAT IS PHASE II ABOUT?

With Phase I completion on the horizon, your Fund Raising Committee is focused on Phase ll, which includes the following items:
·        Kitchen Appliances
·        Lighting Fixtures
·        Furniture for Main Hall and Class Rooms
·        Shelving/Cabinets & Furniture for Library
·        Pond/Fountain Feature
·        Acoustic Enhancements
·        Security Enhancements
·        Audio Visual Equipment
·        Entrance Foyer Decorative Ceiling
·        Outdoor Patio on West Side of Main Hall
·        Other Decorative Enhancements

PHASE ll B – Solar Energy (Late 2016)

Various groups of volunteers have identified the specific needs and costs of each of the above listed items. The total is estimated at $400,000 without solar energy.

PHASE ll ENGRAVED BRICK PATIO FUND RAISING CAMPAIGN

Your Fund Raising Committee has worked hard to identify a suitable new Fund Raising initiative to support Phase II. The plan involves constructing a Brick Paver Patio (70’ X 20’) on the West side of the Main Hall. It will utilize special permeable brick pavers such that it does not impact our property’s Impervious to Pervious surface ratio. We have received approval from the Village to proceed with construction of the patio.
The Recognition Committee and DMZT Trustees have also approved the Fundraising Raising committee’s plan. Highlights of the proposed plan are as follows –
Bricks will be available at the following donation levels with donor’s name engraved onto it.
SMALL 8”X4” Engraved Brick with up to 3 Lines:         $1,000 each (shown below)
MEDIUM 8”x8” Engraved Brick with up to 4 Lines:       $2,000 each
LARGE 12”X12” Engraved Brick with up to 5 Lines:     $5,000 each

Note: due to space constraints and to maintain formatting consistency, engraving shall be restricted to a maximum of 18 characters per line, for example:
1.      John & Jane Doe
2.      Adam, Cathy
& Robert
(“In memory of” or “In honor of”, shall be accommodated if requested)

Donors ordering 3 bricks or more shall be eligible for a 5% discount.

Please note that currently pledged amounts cannot be transferred / applied to this new fundraiser. However, all monies donated to this Phase ll plan will be added to the donor total to determine the donation level for the Donor Recognition Board.

PLEASE SEE DETAILS AND COMPLETE THE BRICK CAMPAIGN FORM TO ORDER YOUR ENGRAVED BRICKS

IN THE WORKS –
Plans for Phase ll B – a Solar Energy System are also under way. It is a general feeling in the community that Zoroastrianism embraces “Green Environmental” concepts and several members would support this separate effort.

We are thrilled to share that there is a seed donor who has committed $10,000 to kick off this initiative, estimated cost of which is $75-100,000. Our goal is to have the estimated cost of the project collected by late 2016, when we will be ready to install the Solar Energy System for our new Dar-e-Mehr.

Your Fund Raising Committee is excited to start work on Phase II and looks to you for your continued enthusiastic support to help make our Dar-e-Mehr our home away from home.

Sincerely,
Your Fund Raising Committee



‘Ruined’ Parsi Fire Temple In Kolkata Turned Into An Electrical Market

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Ruined’ Parsi Fire Temple In Kolkata Turned Into An Electrical Market

The fire temple in Kolkata’s Ezra Street, which is Gothic in style with huge Tuscan pillars and dentil ornamentation is in a remorseful state. (Photo courtesy: Brian Paul Bach)

 

The huge Rustomjee Cowasjee Banajee Agiary (Agiary – is a fire temple in which Parsi Zoroastrians pray) at 26 Ezra Street in Central Kolkata has been turned into an electrical market of sorts, but who cares!

 

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation know that time and tide wait for none and thus are not at all concerned to evict the squatters and restore the said temple in spite of the Government of West Bengal declaring it as “Heritage Building” on 6th October 2007 pursuant to the recommendation of the Expert Committee of the Heritage Buildings.

The fire temple which is Gothic in style with huge Tuscan pillars and dentil ornamentation is in a remorseful state. Plasters are peeling off from each wall; the marbles on the floor have been scooped out and sold. Vegetation growth has weakened the entire structure. Every inch of the building, including the temple basement, has been encroached upon by business units. Even the gate can scarcely be seen from the road.

There has also been a documentary made, showing the deplorable state of affairs titled:A Brief Stroll Around The Parsee Fire Temple In Ezra Street, Calcutta.”

Click to continue reading

 

Courtesy : Maneck Bhujwala


Invitation – Wadia Agiary Jogeshwari

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The Bai Motlibai Wadia Adran at  Jogeshwari is celebrating Golden Jubilee celebration of its re-enthronement at Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari.  On this occasion, a Jashan ceremony will be performed under the leadership of Revered Vada Dasturji Dr Firoze Meherji Kotval.    Till December 2015, 112 Athornans have been ordained as Navars, and 15 have been ordained as Martabs, in this Adran at Jogeshwari.  All these Navar and Martab priests are invited to participate in the Jashan ceremony.  These Athornans came from various places such as Australia, CANADA,  NEW ZEALAND, UK, U.S.A.

THE MALCOLM BAUG ZOROASTRIAN ASSOCIATION

MALCOLM BAUG, JOGESHWARI WEST, MUMBAI 400102

CALLING ALL ATHORNANS ORDAINED NAVAR OR MARTAB AT BAI MOTLIBAI WADIA ADRAN, JOGESHWARI, MUMBAI.

The Malcolm Baug Zoroastrian Association will be celebrating the Golden Jubilee of re-enthronement of the Holy Fire of Bai Motlibai Wadia Adran in Malcolm Baug on 16th April 2016.

On this momentous occasion, the Association has planned a grand Jashan which will be performed under the leadership of Revered Vada Dasturji Dr. Firoze Meherji Kotval and takes pride in inviting all those Athornans who have been ordained Navar or Martab in Bai Motlibai Wadia Adran at Malcolm Baug since April 1966, to participate in this Jashan. The Jashan will be followed by cultural programme and dinner.

All such Athornans who are interested in participating in the Jashan should get in touch with any of the following office bearers before 31st March 2016.

  1. Nariman S. Kotval – mob No. +91 98 923 51275 email – narimankotval@hotmail.com

  2. Framroze M. Gotla – mob No. +91 98 210 91369 email – fmgotla101@yahoo.co.in

  3. Burjor D. Thanawala – mob No. +91 98 207 37765 email – burjordthanawala@gmail.com


Bid To Move 700-Yr-Old Holy Fire From Bharuch To Navi Mumbai Divides Parsis

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Like at this fire temple in Yazd, Central Iran, the eternal flame burns at all fire temples 24/7. Pic for representation only; Courtesy: Adam Jones/Creative Commons.

A move to shift the 700-year-old holy fire from a shut Bharuch fire temple to a soon-to-open agiary in Kopar Khairane has sparked yet another battle between traditionalists and modernists in the Parsi community.

Those who want the holy fire moved contend that Bharuch agiary is virtually defunct, with the population in the Gujarati city coming down to barely a 100 people. With the number of people on the fringes of Navi Mumbai growing rapidly, a fire temple in Kopar Khairane will only benefit those Parsis having to commute to Thane, Vikhroli or Dadar to access an agiary, they said.

The fire temple under construction at Kopar Khairane. Pic/Satyabrata Tripathy.

Those against the move claim the religion does not allow a holy fire to be moved from its original site. They also fear the Kopar Khairane agiary will become accessible to non-Parsis too.

Purists argue that the moment the holy fire is shifted from the sanctified position, its spiritual power built over centuries due to prayer and consecration will wane.

Sources in the community said a similar attempt 25 years ago to shift the holy fire to the agiary in Vikhroli’s Godrej Baug was challenged in court and was stayed.

The inside of the Bharuch Agiary

In a letter dated February 4 in the Jam-e-Jamshed newspaper, four vada dastoorjis (high priests) said they supported the shifting of the eternal fire.

The outside of the Bharuch Agiary

“We have discussed the matter regarding re-location of the Holy Fire at Pestonji Aslaji Doongaji Agiary at Bharuch to the New Temple Structure constructed at Kopar khairane, Navi Mumbai, with the trustees and senior members of the Doongaji family,” said the letter.

An artist’s impression of the Kopar Khairane complex housing the Agiary, community centre and old age home.

The high priests clarified the following points:

The fire temple will be open only to Parsi and Irani Zoroastrians.

The Bharuch Anjuman has given its approval to relocate the fire temple at Koparkhairane.

Ankleshwar resident Percy Hansotia believes moving the holy fire will amount to desecration.

The Fire Temple at Bharuch remains closed and locked most of the time. Hardly any worshippers visit the agiary as there are fewer than 100 Zoroastrians living in Bharuch, most of whom are aged. Further, the location is very difficult to access. Keeping in mind the above objectives, we the Head Priests recommend the transfer of the Holy Fire to Koparkhairane, Navi Mumbai, where about 450 Parsis have already established themselves and are eagerly awaiting an Agiary.

The letter is signed by four dastoorjis – Dasturji Kaishushroo M Janaspasa, Dasturji Peshotan H Mirza, Dasturji Firoze M Kotwal, Dasturji Khurshed K Dastoor.

The two priests whose signatures are awaited are: Dasturji KND Meherji Rana and Dasturji Cyrus Dastoor.

Some priests in Bharuch, like Navroze and Vispi Dinshawji Dastoor, serving in Bharuch and Ankleshwar respectively, wrote to the Parsi periodical to clarify that despite being an old priestly family of Bharuch, the trustees of Bharuch Anjuman had not informed them about the tharav (sanctioning the shifting of the holy fire).

Noshir Parlewala, trustee, New Bombay Zoroastrian Charitable Trust (NBZCT) said, “No one was bothered about the Bharuch agiary till we decided to move it, and now suddenly some people are creating problems for personal gains.”

Social media abuzz

Ranged against the NBZCT is a group of Parsis headed by two residents of Ankleshwar, a small town in Bharuch, Percy Hansotia and Kaizad Sethna. It was Sethna’s father who had moved the Bharuch District Court and got a stay order against the move to bring the fire to Vikhroli 25 years ago.

“Many agiaries in Mumbai, Navsari and Surat are kept under lock and key for the better part of the day. Udvada’s Parsi population is only 40, yet people come from all over the world to worship there. The vada dastoorjis (high priests), instead of putting the blame on the padshah saheb (holy fire) and shifting him, should instead reinstall faith in the padshah sahibs,” said Hansotia.

Hansotia said in a recent Facebook post in a group called, ‘Parsi Irani Proud Zoroastrians’ that moving the holy fire will amount to desecration and that Section 295 (defiling places of worship) and 295A (insulting religious beliefs) of the Indian Penal Code can be applied. But NBZCT president Sharukh Doctor is unmoved.

“There are some people who are trying to create problems,” said Doctor. “There is no opposition from the high priests or the Bharuch Parsi Panchayat. The fire will be moved. It will come to Navi Mumbai. All rituals for the shifting will be followed precisely. A small fire (‘Dadgi’) will continue to burn at the Bharuch agiary so that it remains pious.”

Hansotia countered that it would be impossible to follow all rituals if the fire is shifted.

“How will they water and clean the roads from Bharuch to Navi Mumbai?” he asked on Facebook. “Will they be able to stop the traffic on both sides in the two cities and on National Highway 8? How will they cross the rivers and maintain ‘jameen nu peban’?”(Religious rules say the flame should always touch the earth)

Hansotia and Sethna are expected to move court and they have support from Mumbai and Gujarat. Rayomand Zaiwala, a Mumbai resident said on Facebook: “These people who challenge God and the vast universe controlled by him have not understood the term ‘Rage of the Angels’. There is just no escape from it.”

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

http://www.ndtv.com/mumbai-news/bid-to-move-700-yr-old-holy-fire-from-bharuch-to-navi-mumbai-divides-parsis-1276556

Wanted! Young Parsis to maintain agiyari

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When the Parsi agiyari in Sayajigunj recently celebrated its 90 years of existence, the entire building was cleaned and lit up by the community members.

While many admired the spic and span agiyari, few knew that the fire temple management is finding it increasingly difficult to maintain and clean the huge building.

The trustees have even begun looking for young Parsi volunteers to clean up and maintain the agiyari every weekend.

“Only Parsi community members are allowed in the agiyari premises. So we cannot hire non-Parsis to maintain and clean the building

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vadodara/Wanted-Young-Parsis-to-maintain-agiyari/articleshow/51184867.cms


Zoroastrians to inaugurate new Arbab Rustam Guiv Dar-e-Mehr building in New York

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Building will be inaugurated on March 26th.
Zoroastrians, or Zarathushtis as they are traditionally called, from the New York Tristate area, will come together to inaugurate a new religious and cultural center in Pomona, New York, on March 26. The new Arbab Rustam Guiv Dar-e-Mehr building is inspired by ancient Persian and Zoroastrian architecture of the fire temples of India.

Some 500 families in the area raised $5 million over a period of four years to build a home for future generations, according to a press release. There are about 1,000 Zoroastrians in the area.

The Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York (ZAGNY), the Iranian Zoroastrian Association (IZA), and the Dar-e-Mehr Zoroastrian Temple (DMZT) will host the event. The inauguration is scheduled to coincide with the week of Navroze, the start of the Persian new year, and March 26th coincides with the birthday of the Prophet Zarathustra.

Considered one of the oldest religions, Zoroastrianism once widely followed in ancient Persia, found a home in India when followers had to flee religious persecution. The tristate community prides itself on being able to maintain their cohesiveness, and follow the basic tenets of their religion attributed to Prophet Zarathushtra 3,000 years ago, said the release.

Zoroastrians have made an outsize contribution to India’s growth in contrast to their numbers, as leaders in business, film, science, education, national security and other fields.

http://www.americanbazaaronline.com/2016/03/01/zoroastrians-to-inaugurate-new-arbab-rustam-guiv-dar-e-mehr-building-in-new-york-407287/#.Vtbd5I4LQdg.twitter


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